There are many reasons to hit the lake for bass during the fall. Beautiful fall colors and crisp temperatures aside, fall can be one of the most exciting fishing seasons. This is because the topwater bass bite takes on a whole new level of fun in the fall.
The cooler temperatures mean the topwater bite can last throughout the day, as well. Here are 4 tips on how you can capitalize on the topwater bass bite this fall.
Creepy Crawlies
Frogs and rats aren’t just for Halloween decoration this time of year; they’re among the most effective topwater presentations for fall bass. The soft, hollow bodies of rubber frogs and rats tend to yield more secure hook-ups when bass are biting. With these beauties, target areas with blankets of grass mats, then look for holes in the grass where there’s a bit of open water. Creep your lures along the grass towards these pockets and hold on tight once you hit the hole.
RELATED: 4 Reasons Why Worms are the Best Bait
Feeling Buzzed
Since I picked up my first Ugly Stik and bubble pack reel years ago, I don’t know if there’s ever been a time when I haven’t used buzzbaits. There’s just something about that propeller and pulsing skirt that bass can’t resist. Early in the morning and on overcast days, a black buzzbait will work magic during the fall. I keep a few white, orange and chartreuse patterns on hand, as well. Like frogs and rats, you’ll find these wake-making wonders work well when you seek pockets of open water in grass mats, or even along the edge of the grass.
RELATED: 3 Tactics for Catching Fall Bass
Walkin’ the Dog
No conversation about topwater tactics is complete without a consideration for the Zara Spook. Moving this big walking bait side-to-side using the walk-the-dog technique seems to deliver time and time again. When you find scattered bits of grass, use a Spook to imitate the surface shad that bass love to chase down this time of year. Bonus Tip: If you notice that bass are breaking the surface consistently, you may want to tie on a popper, such as a Rebel Pop-R.
Plan B
It’s not uncommon for bass to roll on or follow topwater lures, only to lose interest before actually striking. With this in mind, it’s smart to keep a rod and reel nearby rigged with a soft plastic fluke. This setup you can toss right away at that bass that just rolled on your buzzbait and odds are you’ll get a strike.
